Faults:

When I got the car it was running perfect.

Suddenly after 7000 kilometers, the electronic control module of the fuel pump (Bosch vp44) broke down. As I understood later, this is a very common problem with these pumps. An electrician repaired the ECM for 150 euros and told me I won't have problems anymore.

The dashboard squeaks a lot!

I didn't need to fill up with oil after 10000km. I am writing this because I saw in many magazines that 2.0dti engines burn oil.

General Comments:

The car handles very well. The interior is qualitative. It looks like new. Only the steering wheel is made of leather and has some spots on it.

Seats are hard, but comfy.

The suspension on mine is standard, and it's too hard.

The engine is loud at low RPM, but economical. I can pass 100km in the city with about 7 to 8 liters. On the highway with 100 - 110 km/h it burns around 5 liters. 130-140 km/h 6 to 6,5 l.

The car runs perfect between 1900 and 3500 rpm.

For me a good advantage is that the engine uses a chain.

Overall it is a very good looking car (mine is 2/3 door version), economical and well made for the money one pays for it.

Faults:

Hazard warning lights won't work.

Intermittent fault with odometer/trip- keeps disappearing?

Power steering very heavy sometimes just after start up.

Reverse gear sometimes very difficult to select when engine is cold.

General Comments:

Generally, this car seems reliable and fairly economical, to run.

I note other reviewers comments on windows fogging up, and being difficult to keep clear. I have this problem too, but I am reliably informed that changing the pollen filter will definitely alleviate this problem, (supposed to be changed annually, but never are!)

Engine seems powerful enough, and quiet too, but I was staggered to find out the cost of a timing belt kit..€200, plus another €65 (€265 = £190 approx.) to have it fitted... so if you're buying second hand, I suggest you get it checked and build it in as part of your budget!.

I will reserve judgment on the electrics, but at this stage the look as though they could be a little troublesome.

Faults:

Only a flat tire. The dealer fixed it. costs 10 euro.

General Comments:

The car is a beauty! Just in the tradition of coupes built by Opel in the past. For example the Opel Manta A + B, the GT, the Kadett C Coupe, the Monza and the Opel Tigra. However its also a family coupe. My children loves it and also my wife. She likes to drive around with it when I am at work...

Faults:

Replaced brake disks (rotors) at 60000km.

Cleaned throttle body at 70000km, but it WILL get oiled-up again, because the the crankshaft ventilation is connected to it without an oil-blocker.

General Comments:

This is a nice performance car with exceptional handling. The CSE model is sportier than most, but has a rather spartan interior. There aren't even electric windows.

The X18XE1 engine has a known problem with throttle body fouling. This results in idle undershoot and sometimes engine cutting when coasting to a stop. If it were Germany, Opel would have redrilled the connection to the crankshaft ventilation from 1mm to 2mm and replaced the software of the ECU, according to their "TIC Notiz" to that effect. This is something like a minor recall notice. However GM South Africa refuses to acknowledge the problem and avoids calls the best they can. Pity though. That is a good enough reason for me not to buy from them again, although I have nothing against Opel in general, and will buy one any time in another country.